KEY POINTS:
The teenager killed when a car rolled 100m down a sand dune at Bethells Beach early yesterday, following a 21st birthday party, came from West Auckland.
Hayden Jesse Adams, 19, was trapped under the four-wheel-drive and died at the scene.
Five other people in the car, including the driver, were taken to hospital with moderate injuries.
Inspector Earle McIntosh said alcohol was a major factor in the crash, which happened about 5am near Lake Wainamu.
The occupants of the car had been celebrating a 21st at Bethells Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.
"They have gained access to the sand dune area leading to Lake Wainamu and have been driving over the extensive sand dunes prior to the vehicle crashing," said Mr Mcintosh.
The land where the accident happened is owned by Simon Wheeler, who runs a farm nearby.
Mr Wheeler, 40, told the Herald he was getting ready for work when he heard people shouting for help and rushed down to the scene.
His brother and daughter Lily Wheeler, a trainee nurse, were already at the scene helping the victims.
"It was still dark ... When you see a vehicle at the bottom of a sand dune all smashed up and a few bodies spread everywhere you know what's happened.
"Without knowing or understanding the environment, you can get into trouble pretty quickly," said Mr Wheeler.
Lily Wheeler told One News how she tried to help Mr Adams. "His head was badly damaged, he had blood coming out of his nose, his eyes, his mouth. I could feel when I was doing the compressions that his chest had collapsed almost."
Mr Wheeler said the land had signs clearly stating it was private, but walkers and authorised vehicles were allowed access to parts of it.
The land is also used frequently used for films and commercials.
It is not clear how the car got on to the property, but Mr Wheeler said it was more than likely the occupants had opened a gate to gain access.
"It's sad to see a young boy lose his life. I feel very sorry for the family that are left."
Bethells Beach Surf Lifesaving Patrol president Dave Comp said the 21st birthday was a private function held for a surf club member.
He said the people involved in the crash had been at the party, but weren't club members.
"They were visitors to the party. I don't know much about them ... It's a tragedy."
He said the 21st birthday had finished about two to three hours before the accident happened.
"I can tell you it's a pretty sombre mood here."
Acting Senior Sergeant Brendan Stewart of Henderson said yesterday that until the scene examination had been completed, it was too early to say what charges, if any, would be laid.
